The XXV Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina (February 6–22, 2026) will feature the world’s elite skiers competing across the Italian Alps. However, because of regional broadcasting rights, many of the best live streams are “geo-blocked,” meaning they only work if you are physically located in a specific country.
The good news? You can bypass these restrictions and watch every downhill run, slalom turn, and ski jump from anywhere in the world by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Why You Need a VPN for Olympic Skiing
Broadcasters like the BBC (UK), CBC (Canada), and 9Now (Australia) offer world-class live coverage for free, but their platforms check your IP address to ensure you are in their territory. A VPN allows you to change your digital location to the UK, Canada, or Australia, unlocking these “free” streams instantly.
Top Recommended VPNs for Sports Streaming
- NordVPN – Recognized for the fastest speeds and most stable performance during live sports. With 8,900+ servers in 126+ countries, it’s perfect for streaming Olympic skiing in 4K without buffering, especially on platforms like Peacock, BBC iPlayer, and CBC Gem.

- Surfshark – Offers the best value on the market and supports unlimited devices per account. With over 4,500 servers across 100 countries, it’s a great pick for families or travelers who want to watch from multiple devices at once — even on smart TVs using Smart DNS.

- ExpressVPN – Known for bypassing the toughest geo-blocks in 105+ countries, including access to Peacock, Discovery+, and HBO Max. Its Lightway protocol delivers quick, stable connections – ideal for streaming alpine and freestyle skiing events without interruptions.

| 3 Best VPN for Streaming | Offer + Discount | URL |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 77% off + 3 months free | Try NordVPN |
| SurfShark | 87% off + 2 months free | Try SurfShark |
| ExpressVPN | 78% off + 4 months free | Try ExpressVPN |
Step-by-Step: How to Stream the Olympics with a VPN
- Subscribe to a Reliable VPN: Choose a provider like NordVPN or Surfshark.
- Download and Install: Setup the app on your phone, laptop, or Smart TV.
- Connect to a Server:
- UK server for BBC iPlayer.
- Canadian server for CBC Gem.
- Australian server for 9Now.
- Create a Free Account: Visit the broadcaster’s site. You may need a local postcode (e.g., NSW 2000 for Australia or a valid UK postcode).
- Start Streaming: Open the live feed and enjoy the skiing action.
Global Broadcaster Directory: Where to Watch
This table identifies the primary media rights holders for major regions. You can use your VPN to access any of the “Free” digital platforms listed below.
| Region/Territory | Official Broadcaster | Digital Platform | Access Type |
| United Kingdom | BBC | BBC iPlayer | FREE (TV Licence) |
| Canada | CBC/Radio-Canada | CBC Gem | FREE (Account Req.) |
| Australia | Nine Network | 9Now | FREE (Account Req.) |
| United States | NBC | Peacock | Paid ($10.99/mo) |
| Europe (Pan) | Eurosport | Discovery+ / HBO Max | Paid Subscription |
| Australia (Premium) | Stan Sport | Stan Sport | Paid (4K UHD) |
| Ireland | RTÉ | RTÉ Player | FREE |
| Germany | ARD / ZDF | ARD Mediathek / ZDF | FREE |
| Italy (Host) | RAI | RAI Play | FREE |
| Latin America | Claro Sports | Claro Sports (YouTube) | FREE |
2026 Olympic Skiing Competition Schedule
The following schedules cover the major medal events for Alpine, Cross-Country, Ski Jumping, and Freestyle disciplines. All times are in Central European Time (CET).
Alpine Skiing (Bormio & Cortina)
Alpine events are the “blue ribbon” competitions of the Winter Games, featuring high-speed downhill and technical slalom races.
| Date | Time (CET) | Event | Venue |
| Feb 7 | 02:30 | Men’s Downhill (Medal) | Bormio |
| Feb 8 | 02:30 | Women’s Downhill (Medal) | Cortina |
| Feb 9 | 05:00 | Men’s Team Combined Slalom (Medal) | Bormio |
| Feb 10 | 05:00 | Women’s Team Combined Slalom (Medal) | Cortina |
| Feb 11 | 02:30 | Men’s Super-G (Medal) | Bormio |
| Feb 12 | 02:30 | Women’s Super-G (Medal) | Cortina |
| Feb 14 | 04:30 | Men’s Giant Slalom (Run 2 – Medal) | Bormio |
| Feb 15 | 04:30 | Women’s Giant Slalom (Run 2 – Medal) | Cortina |
| Feb 16 | 04:30 | Men’s Slalom (Run 2 – Medal) | Bormio |
| Feb 18 | 04:30 | Women’s Slalom (Run 2 – Medal) | Cortina |
Cross-Country Skiing (Val di Fiemme)
Cross-country skiing tests the ultimate endurance of athletes in the Tesero stadium.
| Date | Time (CET) | Event | Category |
| Feb 7 | 13:00 | Women’s 10km + 10km Skiathlon | Medal |
| Feb 8 | 12:30 | Men’s 10km + 10km Skiathlon | Medal |
| Feb 10 | 13:13 | Women’s Sprint Classic Final | Medal |
| Feb 10 | 13:25 | Men’s Sprint Classic Final | Medal |
| Feb 12 | 13:00 | Women’s 10km Interval Start Free | Medal |
| Feb 13 | 11:45 | Men’s 10km Interval Start Free | Medal |
| Feb 14 | 12:00 | Women’s 4 x 7.5km Relay | Medal |
| Feb 15 | 12:00 | Men’s 4 x 7.5km Relay | Medal |
| Feb 18 | 11:45 | Women’s Team Sprint Free Final | Medal |
| Feb 21 | 11:00 | Men’s 50km Mass Start Classic | Medal |
| Feb 22 | 10:00 | Women’s 50km Mass Start Classic | Medal |
Ski Jumping & Nordic Combined (Predazzo)
Events held at the Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium include individual and team hill competitions.
| Date | Time (CET) | Event | Category |
| Feb 7 | 10:57 | Women’s Normal Hill Individual | Medal |
| Feb 9 | 11:12 | Men’s Normal Hill Individual | Medal |
| Feb 10 | 20:00 | Mixed Team Ski Jumping | Medal |
| Feb 11 | 13:45 | Nordic Combined: Ind. Gund. NH/10km | Medal |
| Feb 14 | 10:57 | Men’s Individual Large Hill | Medal |
| Feb 15 | 10:57 | Women’s Individual Large Hill | Medal |
| Feb 16 | 20:20 | Men’s Super Team Final | Medal |
| Feb 17 | 13:45 | Nordic Combined: Ind. Gund. LH/10km | Medal |
| Feb 19 | 14:00 | Nordic Combined: Team Sprint Large Hill | Medal |
Freestyle Skiing (Livigno)
The “scene” moves to Livigno for high-flying moguls, aerials, and slopestyle events.
| Date | Time (CET) | Event | Category |
| Feb 9 | 05:15 | Women’s Moguls Finals | Medal |
| Feb 10 | 13:28 | Men’s Freeski Slopestyle Final | Medal |
| Feb 12 | 03:15 | Men’s Moguls Finals | Medal |
| Feb 14 | 02:46 | Women’s Dual Moguls Finals | Medal |
| Feb 15 | 02:46 | Men’s Dual Moguls Finals | Medal |
| Feb 16 | 10:30 | Women’s Freeski Big Air Final | Medal |
| Feb 17 | 10:30 | Men’s Freeski Big Air Final | Medal |
| Feb 18 | 10:30 | Women’s Aerials Final | Medal |
| Feb 19 | 11:30 | Men’s Aerials Final | Medal |
| Feb 20 | 04:10 | Women’s Ski Cross Final | Medal |
| Feb 21 | 04:10 | Men’s Ski Cross Final | Medal |
Technical Tips for an Uninterrupted Stream
To ensure you don’t experience buffering during a gold medal run, verify your technical setup matches these requirements.
Internet Speed Requirements
| Quality | Required Speed (per stream) | Recommended Activity |
| SD (480p) | 3 – 4 Mbps | Mobile viewing on-the-go |
| HD (1080p) | 5 – 8 Mbps | Standard TV/Laptop viewing |
| 4K Ultra HD | 25 – 50 Mbps | Stan Sport / Peacock 4K feeds |
| Multiview | 100+ Mbps | Watching 4 events at once |
Streaming Platform Features
- Peacock (US): Features “Gold Zone” (whip-around coverage) and “Multiview” to watch four events at once.
- Stan Sport (Australia): The only major platform offering every medal event in native 4K UHD.
- CBC Gem (Canada): Offers over 1,200 hours of live digital content for free.
- BBC iPlayer (UK): Provides a high-quality free experience but requires a UK server and a TV licence declaration.
Troubleshooting
- Stream Blocked? If a site detects your VPN, try clearing your browser cookies or switching to a different server in the same country.
- Account Issues? Remember to sign up for accounts (like CBC Gem or 9Now) before the Games start to avoid server congestion delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I watch Olympic skiing for free?
Use a VPN to connect to the UK (BBC iPlayer), Canada (CBC Gem), or Australia (9Now) — all offer free streaming with a free account.
Which VPN is best for streaming?
NordVPN offers top speed, Surfshark works on unlimited devices, and ExpressVPN is great at unblocking tough platforms like Peacock.
Will the stream lag with a VPN?
Not if you use a good VPN and stable internet. For 4K, aim for at least 25 Mbps. NordVPN and ExpressVPN handle it smoothly.
Can I watch on a Smart TV?
Yes — Surfshark supports Smart DNS for TVs. Or stream from your phone/laptop using AirPlay or Chromecast.
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